Former Blackhawks Goalie Had Unusual Ritual

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Ryan Hall
August 7, 2023 (10:38)

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NHL players are well-known for having unusual superstitions and rituals they perform before or during a game to enhance their focus and performance throughout a long season. One ritual that always struck me was that of Patrick Marlowe when he was with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Although he initially did this during his time with the San Jose Sharks, he would consistently take an ice bath during intermissions in each game, giving him a refreshed look and boosting his production in the second half of the games.

Furthermore, he never spoke to reporters during intermissions and would leave the bench before the last minute of the period to accommodate this task.

Another recent ritual that caught my attention was that of former Blackhawks goalie, Glen Hall. Hall played for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1957 to 1967 and, at 91 years old, still holds the record for the most consecutive games played by a goalie, with an impressive streak of 502 games. His unique ritual involved forcing himself to vomit before every single game.

Despite this unusual practice, Hall proved to be a model of consistency during his time with the Blackhawks, playing all 70 games from 1956 to 1962. He maintained an impressive average of 2.40 goals against and a save percentage well over .910 throughout this period.

Hall's exceptional skills led to numerous accolades in his career. He won two Stanley Cups, one in 1961 and another in 1989 as a goalie coach. Additionally, he was named to the All-Star team in 1956, 1961, 1962, and 1967. He was also the Vezina Trophy winner in 1963, 1967, and 1969, and the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 1968.

His extraordinary achievements rightfully earned him induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975.

Glen Hall's legacy remains an impressive one, showcasing how unique rituals and dedication to the sport can lead to a successful and illustrious career in the NHL.